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A Healthy way
to Kick off the
Summer
Army Specialist
Megan Burnham
______________________________________
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
While it is hard to distinguish the different seasons
in Guantanamo Bay, June 21 was in fact the start of
the Summer Solstice (aka the first day of summer). To
celebrate this day, Audrey Chapman, Morale, Wellness
and Recreation Fitness coordinator, organized a 5K run/
walk, which started at 7a.m. at Denich Gym.
When asked why MWR chose to host a fun run as a
summer kick-off event, Chapman replied, “We do runs
every month and June doesn’t have its own holiday.” She
went on to add, “It’s just an excuse to get people out and
active on a Saturday morning.”
People participate in running events for many different
and unique reasons. Some may use a fun run as a means to
stay in shape or to train for a longer distance run in the near
future. Whatever the reason, the main goal of any sporting
event is for the participants to have a joyous experience
while staying safe.
“I’m new to the island,” said Navy Chief Petty Officer
Paula Africa. “This is a way [for me] to find out places to
run.”
There were about 100 people participating in this event
which offered the option to run, walk, or even bike the 3.1
mile course. The first half of the route was level, while the
last portion was the infamous hike up the long incline of
Bay Hill Rd. But once participants made it up that last hill,
it was smooth sailing the rest of the way to the finish line.
“I liked it,” said Navy Chief Dale McKean. “I knew I
could make it through the whole thing but once I got to the
hill, it was definitely a challenge.”
Since this event was considered a fun run and not an
actual race competition, there were no prizes given to the
top-three male and female finishers. Instead everyone had
an equal chance to win a door prize by writing their name
on a slip of paper after signing in.
The award ceremony was held after everyone had
crossed the finish line and had a chance to cool down.
Chapman gathered everyone around the prize table and
began to draw names at random from a plastic bin. Prizes
that were awarded to the lucky participants included small
prizes such as note pads, beach balls, beach bags and
Frisbees. Larger prizes included volleyballs, beach chairs
and boogie boards. The main award was a large blow-up
kiddy swimming pool!
For those who missed out on this past run, the 4 th of
July 4-miler is coming up within two weeks. Don’t forget
to sign up at Denich Gym.